big ring is off, now what?

chemicalviking

ok since i had to remove my bent and twisted rear mech today i decided to take the big ring off my bike(42 tooth). now im left with the 32 and 22 rings and an 8 speed cassette on the back. I realise i should of probably researched before doing it but do i really need to change to a 9 speed on the back and have the faff of getting the chain and the shifter?
also if i can keep it as it is now how many links do i need to remove off my chain, sorry for the noob questions im still learning. :roll:

The Rookie

You don't need to go 9 speed no.
You need to index the front mech, adjusting the H stop to stop the chain being shifted over the middle ring into the empty outer ring slot.
Read the FAQ and go to Parktools for chain length setting, however IF he chain was the right length before you'll need to remove either 2 or 3 pairs of links depending on exactly how it was set before (did it have to be set slightly slack as removing another pair would make it to short, or could it be set just right)

Simon

cooldad

Chain length same method as before, round big/big without the mech plus 1 link.